Kiama Business Network is looking to support local operators to thrive as part of Small Business Month in October.

KBN is hosting its final Business Connect event for the year, hosted by The Collective Beat Kiama on Collins Street on Thursday, 30 October.

It promises to be an evening of connection, conversation and community.

Whether you're new to KBN or a long-time member, these events are a great chance to reconnect, meet fellow local business owners and expand your network in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

KBN president Cathryn Lyall said business owners share insights, strengthen relationships and grow as a vibrant business community.

“While encouraging visitors to our LGA is vitally important for our local economy, we are increasingly finding great value in connecting local businesses and their customers to other local businesses,” she said.

“The more our own local community sources their goods and services from small businesses within our LGA, the better our small businesses can survive the tougher winter months the when we have less visitor traffic.

“We have a growing diversity of businesses in our KBN community and most are still navigating the long tail of the recent economic challenges after 12 interest rate rises in 13 months.

“That, plus high insurance costs, payroll tax increases, very high power costs, high commercial rent charges with low supply of suitable commercial premises, plus the recent cuts to the NSW Government Business Connect and Destination program, all particularly affect rural and regional small and medium businesses.

“Kiama Business Network is committed to supporting our local businesses all year round and our Kiama Business Connect events, in partnership with our members, provide an engaging and purposeful way to grow the interconnectivity and resilence in our local economy.”

KBN standard members receive a free ticket, gold members are entitled to two and platinum members will get three. Additional guests are $25 each while prospective members receive free entry.

The Business Connect event will be held Thursday, 30 October from 5pm-7:30pm.

As part of Small Business Month, the NSW Small Business Commission is running dozens of online events and workshops covering topics such as staffing, cyber security, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, intellectual property and sales strategies.

“KBN encourages all business owners to log into the state government website and take advantage of the offerings available,” Lyall added.

“KBN is also able to advocate directly through Business Illawarra and Business NSW on any matters directly affecting rural and regional areas such as Kiama and, as always, we partner wherever possible with the Destination Kiama team and Kiama Council to support programs and events that enhance opportunities for our local business community.”

KBN and Marketing Movement are also bringing together six local business owners for a free marketing roundtable on Wednesday, 29 October from 9.30am-11am at KBN’s offices.

This is a 90-minute, small-group strategy session built around helping your business to give you clarity, next steps and a plan to grow.

First in, best dressed - contact [email protected]